Iraj Mesdaghi – Biography, Human Rights Work, and Background
Iraj Mesdaghi is an Iranian–Swedish writer, former political prisoner, and well-known human rights advocate. Born in Iran, he became politically active during his youth and later joined the Confederation of Iranian Students while living in the United States. After the 1979 revolution, Mesdaghi returned to Iran hoping to support political change and democratic reform.
Imprisonment and the 1980s Political Crackdown
In 1981, Mesdaghi was arrested because of his connection with the People’s Mojahedeen of Iran (PMOI). He spent more than ten years in prison, including time at Evin, Ghazelhasar, and Gohardasht—facilities known for holding political detainees. During this period, he witnessed widespread abuses against prisoners throughout the 1980s. Mesdaghi survived the 1988 mass executions, during which thousands of political prisoners were killed following extremely brief tribunal sessions.
Political Asylum and International Human Rights Work
After his release, Mesdaghi left Iran and sought political asylum in Sweden in 1994. From that point forward, he focused on documenting human rights violations, advocating for political prisoners, and providing testimony regarding the treatment of dissidents in Iranian detention centers. His ongoing work emphasizes accountability, transitional justice, and international recognition of human rights concerns inside Iran.
Publications and Research
Mesdaghi has written several influential works, including the four-volume memoir Neither Life Nor Death and Hell on Earth, which examines political repression and institutional torture. His research and firsthand accounts are frequently referenced by journalists, scholars, and human rights organizations studying the contemporary history of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Role in the Hamid Noury Case
In 2019, Mesdaghi played a significant role in creating circumstances that led to the arrest of Hamid Noury, a former Iranian prison official linked to the 1988 executions. The arrest in Sweden resulted in an important war-crimes trial and received extensive international media coverage. The case also renewed global discussion about universal jurisdiction and accountability regarding human rights violations in Iran.
Work With International Human Rights Initiatives
Mesdaghi is a member of the Committee for the Observation and Use of Iranian Justice Data, an initiative led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi. The committee reviewed leaked judicial documents showing decades of political imprisonment, forced confessions, and execution orders. These findings have been used by international organizations and legal experts studying state repression in Iran from the late 1970s through the 2000s.
Recent Activities and Media Presence
In recent years, Mesdaghi has continued participating in conferences, human rights events, and media interviews. He remains involved in discussions related to Iranian politics, prison conditions, transitional justice, and documentation of political violence. His testimony and publications continue to play a central role in recording human rights violations and supporting justice efforts on behalf of victims and survivors.
Public Recognition
Today, Iraj Mesdaghi is widely regarded as one of the most prominent voices addressing human rights concerns in Iran. His research, public advocacy, and ongoing engagement with international organizations continue to contribute to independent documentation, public awareness, and historical record-keeping regarding political repression inside the Islamic Republic.
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